Awards and Scholarships

AWARDS

In order to recognize those individuals whose achievements promote and exemplify the athletic training profession in Kentucky, KATS solicits nominations for specific awards on an annual basis with the winners being announced at the KATS annual meeting. Please send all nominations to Nick Repka, chair of the awards and scholarship committee nrepka@novacare.com

Given to a non-athletic trainer that has made a valuable contribution to the field of athletic training and the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society.

Award of Merit

Given to a Certified Athletic Trainer that distinguishes him or herself in the profession of athletic training and to the Kentucky Athletic Trainers' Society.

College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year

Given to a Certified Athletic Trainer employed in the college/university setting that distinguishes him or herself in the profession of athletic training and to the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society.

Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year

Given to a Certified Athletic Trainer employed in the clinical/industrial setting that distinguishes him or herself in the profession of athletic training and to the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society.

High School Athletic Trainer of the Year

Given to a Certified Athletic Trainer employed in the high school setting that distinguishes him or herself in the profession of athletic training and to the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society.

Sponsorship Award

Given to a company or organization that provides a valuable contribution to the profession of athletic training and the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society.

The Tom Simmons Award

Named in honor of Tom Simmons ATC, the Head Athletic Trainer Emeritus at Murray State University and founding member of KATS. The Simmons Award is given to any Certified Athletic Trainer who has served with distinction and retired from a job setting in Kentucky. This award is not presented annually.

SCHOLARSHIPS

KATS distributes 4 individual $250 scholarships annually to assist KY athletic training students with the financial costs associated with the national Board of Certification (BOC) Examination. Qualified applicants must be eligible to sit for BOC exam. A verification form from the student's program director will be required. The program director will have to verify a student's grade point average and BOC eligibility. Applicants must also secure one additional recommendation from a professor, coach, or other professional contact who is not related to the applicant and is someone other than the program director.

Scholarship awards will be determined by the KATS Chair of Awards/Scholarships Committee and the4 Regional Representatives.

NOTE: Previous recipients of a KATS scholarship are not eligible for future scholarship awards.

All applicants will need to complete the scholarship form and submit it to the Chair of the awards and scholarship committee by May 15th.